High Noon’s Caffeine Mix-Up: Vodka Seltzers Recalled as Celsius Energy Drinks
Jaden Patel here. Let’s all take a moment to pretend we’re stunned that a beverage brand managed to package its vodka seltzer as a nonalcoholic energy drink.
Vodka seltzer pioneer High Noon announced on July 30 that two production lots of its Beach Variety pack were mistakenly packed in cans bearing the brand look and logo of Celsius ASTRO VIBE Energy Drink, Sparkling Blue Razz Edition. The Food and Drug Administration published the recall in a notice that spells out the risk: unsuspecting fans could gulp down a boozy sip under the guise of an energy boost. So far, no illnesses have been reported, but unintentional alcohol ingestion is hardly the kind of surprise consumers want at happy hour.
This labeling blunder occurred between July 21 and July 23, when one of High Noon’s can suppliers—shared with the Celsius brand—shipped the wrong silvery-blue cans to the vodka seltzer producer. The mix-up sent mislabeled Beach Variety packs to retailers in Florida, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia, and Wisconsin. High Noon advises customers to check their lot codes, dispose of any affected cans, and contact consumer relations for refunds. Different lot codes mean different risks, so packs outside the recall are as safe as a morning coffee. The statement to CNN noted the company is working closely with the FDA, its distributors, and any impacted retailers to safeguard public well-being.
The recall notice, citing the FDA, warns that cans labeled as the Sparkling Blue Razz Energy Drink with the silver top could actually be filled with vodka seltzer. Affected lot codes are printed on the bottom of each can, and fans of fizzy energy shots are urged to discard or return them. In its official release, High Noon emphasized that packs bearing other lot codes remain unaffected, leaving only the misbranded batches to shoulder the blame. If you were hoping for a harmless caffeine high, this may be the universe’s way of telling you to read small print.
High Noon’s swift public relations response suggests the company wants to keep this mix-up from turning into a full-blown PR hangover. Rather than leave customers guessing, company officials directed anyone with questions to contact consumer relations for next steps. They also stressed that no adverse events have been linked to this incident, which should at least ease the minds of folks who already suspect everything is spiked.
Industry experts say brand partnerships and shared supply chains can slice costs but also raise the stakes when mistakes happen. When your vodka seltzer looks nearly identical to an energy drink, the odds of a mix-up shoot through the roof. This episode offers a sharp reminder: in the world of ready to drink cocktails and functional beverages, packaging accuracy isn’t just a marketing detail—it’s a public safety issue.
Well, there you have it. Humanity at its finest.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Food and Drug Administration, CNN, E! Online
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
